IBFWTV 10

Chapter 10

I had seen this a lot in child-rearing romance fantasy stories. How young main characters wield power. I might not be scared, but Serden would be, right?

I clenched my teeth tightly and ran.

Fortunately, by some coincidence, Serden wasn’t far away. All I could see were his eyes.

“Husband!!!!”

I saw Serden turn toward me, surprised. I threw myself into his arms, gasping for breath, clinging to him.

Serden’s usual cold but heavy scent hit me. I hugged him like a sloth.

At that moment, nothing else existed.

I felt Serden reflexively embrace me. His large, firm hands I had noticed before held my back. That alone gave me a sense of relief.

Feeling safe in the arms of the villain… what a situation. I sniffled and clung to Serden.

“Evelyn……?”

“H-Husband… I’m scared. Please protect me!”

Serden raised his head and looked at those who were chasing me. Augustine looked flustered.

He probably didn’t expect this situation.

I pinched my hand and wiped away tears.

“He hit Cherina and Rozy… Cherina and Rozy are my friends… Today we were going to play hide-and-seek and treasure hunt together…”

“P-Please listen to me, Your Highness!”

Augustine panted and spoke. Cherina and Rozy quickly lowered their heads.

“Ah-ha.”

Serden narrowed his eyes and smiled.

A chill ran down my spine.

I tried to pull slightly away, but Serden held my waist tightly. His grip was strong, I couldn’t move.

I rested my head on his solid chest. Right now, it was warmer than anything else.

“So you came to me because you were scared?”

“Mm… Serden gave me candy… and books… he’s a good person… so… punish him!”

I recited the lines I had prepared.

I swallowed hard. Was this the wrong choice? Somehow… it felt like trying to avoid a tiger but running into a dragon’s lair.

It wasn’t just Augustine who would get in trouble, maybe I would too. A tense feeling settled over me.

But contrary to my expectation, Serden gently patted my back. A soft touch, like calming a child. His low voice had a hint of a smile.

“I see, Young Master Spellman.”

“O-O-Mistake, Your Highness, Crown Prince!”

“What mistake did I make?”

“Th-That… um… the maid children were insufficient in serving the Crown Princess, so I disciplined them.”

Augustine lied without even wetting his lips. That wretched brat.

“Indeed, you are correct. How dare they let their mistress walk barefoot outside.”

“G-Great sin committed! I-I’ll bring shoes immediately!”

Cherina and Rozy fell flat on the floor.

Serden let out a smile. But it didn’t look happy—it was cold. That too was real power. How could someone’s smile be so terrifying?

I thought it was better not to look, so I buried my head in Serden’s chest, sniffling occasionally.

“No, it’s fine. Now? The maids were insufficient, and the young master was rude.”

“Y-Your Highness…! I only did it for my sister…!”

“Well, that is my own fault as well. But tell me… these maids were sent by Spellman, correct? You sent them without proper training? How dare you. Then it is Spellman’s fault. The young master’s rudeness and the maids’ incompetence are to be blamed on Duke Spellman.”

“Your Highness! That is not the case!”

Wow, he was pushing the blame so well.

Serden raised his lips.

“I will talk to Duke Spellman directly about this. You may leave. I hope I don’t see that face again for a while.”

“Y-Your Highness!”

Augustine called desperately, but Serden’s gesture sent the servants to drag him out. I sniffled quietly watching it.

“The best…”

“Hm?”

“Husband, the best.”

“Heh.”

Without realizing it, I had spoken my heart. Serden smiled and lifted me up.

“Kyaaa!”

Serden’s eyes met mine. I got lost in the curve of his gaze. I quickly steadied myself, holding his shoulder. Serden often acted like he was trying to mesmerize me. Well, he knew he was handsome.

Sunlight poured like a waterfall. The sparkling light around Serden added to his smile.

I closed my mouth without realizing.

Even as a villain, he was a man who matched spring. Still beautiful like a masterpiece, untouchable.

My heart raced uncontrollably.

Serden turned and gave orders to his people.

“It seems I should have lunch with my wife today. You may leave.”

“Yes, Your Highness!”

Finally, I came to my senses.

What… why!?

I’m supposed to eat alone! My face went pale, holding onto Serden’s shoulder. This wasn’t in my plan!

Indeed, I had run into a dragon’s lair.

Everyone left behind witnessed Serden carrying Evelyn gently in his arms.

The Spellman daughter’s red hair shone translucent in the sunlight. A lovely color. No matter the state of the Crown Princess, or whose daughter she was, appearances matched perfectly.

It was breathtaking.

The Crown Princess’s pale green eyes reflected the light.

Only after the Crown Prince and Princess disappeared did the nobles regain their senses.

They had been moving from the meeting room to have lunch while discussing the Merchant Union launch ceremony in two days.

Suddenly, a cheerful voice was heard, and Evelyn and Young Master Spellman appeared.

It was a marriage arranged by Spellman, the Empress, and the Emperor while Serden was away. A marriage without the husband present, and Evelyn had some issues.

They thought Serden and Evelyn’s relationship was heading for disaster.

But what was this?

“…Ahem. Is the Crown Prince especially close with His Highness the Princess?”

“Maybe he’s caring for her like a pet cat.”

“Perhaps he is pleased to finally be able to give official orders to the Spellman house.”

“Even so, seeing him carry her so delicately…”

The nobles’ gaze turned to Mortega. He had always stuck close to Serden as a child. Serden found him bothersome but kept him nearby.

Mortega stepped back, flustered.

“Why is everyone looking at me?”

“If you know anything, tell us. What did we just see?”

“I know nothing. Your Highness has never told me his thoughts.”

Even if he knew, he could not speak. Guessing the Crown Prince’s intentions was too dangerous.